Napoli are aware that Kim Min-Jae will likely leave for the Premier League in the summer and have started considering a number of possible replacements for the South Korean defender.
The 26-year-old joined the Partenopei last summer from Fenerbahce, signing a two-year contract with a bilateral option for a further two years. The deal also contains a €45m release clause, valid for foreign clubs from July 1 to 15.
Recent media reports have heavily linked both Manchester United and Chelsea with a move for Kim, and despite Napoli’s hopes, it almost looks like a forgone conclusion that he’ll leave the Serie A winners in the summer.
As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli are now starting to look for replacements for Kim and have a few ideas in mind, starting with Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.
The 21-year-old Dutchman, who is contracted to the Eredivisie giants until 2025, has shined this season and looks to be a good fit for Luciano Spalletti’s system in the Campania capital.
Another player liked by Napoli is Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini, a player who has attracted the attention of top clubs around Europe like Bayern Munich and Juventus.